To quote an oft-used phrase, where has this year gone? In fact, where has this decade gone? When I think back to how we all anticipated the year 2000 and now here we are at the beginning of another decade. It's been a decade of many changes, including becoming the wife of the Vicar that lives here. ( I was his wife before that but you know what I mean....)

This decade has certainly been what can only be described as the busiest decade of my life. Completing our family in 2001 with the twins adding to the other 2 has meant a decade of domesticity at which I do not excel really. Washing, cooking, shopping, cleaning, looking after sick kids, and making sure everyone always gets to where there supposed to be without being too horribly late kinda sums it all up really.

It all sounds incredibly dull to be honest and yet it has been the most satisfying decade of my life. These four beautiful, full on, loud, sociable, exasperating, anxiety-inducing, joy bringing bundles of life have turned my world upside down and brought me more fulfilment than i could ever have imagined.

It's just that I struggle with the practicalities if life sometimes...well, often. I don't understand why the socks never match up or why a hearty meal never seems to fill anyone up for longer than half an hour and why there is always something odd in the fruit bowl ( usually the latest Brownie or Scout badge that I still haven't sewn on) and why, despite years, of trying my children still do not go to bed at a suitable time.

I guess the last decade has taught me that life is never what you expect. Some things don't work out as well as one had hoped but other things are infinitely better than one could ever have believed possible.

I can only testify to the grace of God in my life over the last decade as he has given me strength to cope with changes, stresses, blessings and joys.

So, for this next decade, which isn't going to be any quieter, I shall resign myself to the fact that socks will never match, kids will always be hungry and badges won't be sewn on. I don't think I shall ever sort myself out in the remembering people's birthdays but maybe, with yet more of God's grace in my life I will be able to discern better what are the really important things in life and treasure the blessings and perceive God's hand in all things.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

Love,

Rachel.